USA > New Jersey > Hunterdon County > Flemington > History of the Presbyterian Church in Flemington, New Jersey, for a century : with sketches of local matters for two hundred years > Part 6
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As at the outbreak of the Revolution, this part of Hunterdon County was among the first to raise a regi- ment of minute men, so the patriotic ardor of their descendants here was inflamed, when the tidings came that the old flag had been fired upon at Fort Sumpter. On April 15th, two days after the fall of that fort, Pres- ident Lincoln issued his first call for troops. On the 17th, Governor Olden of this State responded by directing all persons willing to volunteer to report within twenty
* Historical Sermon by T. E. Vassor, D.D.
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days. The first offer in this State was made by the Ist regiment of the Hunterdon Brigade on the day follow- ing the appearance of the Governor's proclamation. Flemington responded both with men and money. The first company of the brigade was raised in this town and vicinity.
On Saturday evening the 26th of April, 1861, a large and enthusiastic meeting was held in the court-house, for the purpose of enrolling volunteers. Remarks were made by Charles Bartles, Peter I. Clark, Alexander Wurts and others ; $6,000 was subscribed for the sup- port of the families of the volunteers during their absence. A large number were enrolled that evening, and early in that following week seventy-eight men had volunteered. A. V. Bonnell was elected captain and the company began to drill. After the organization of the brigade, Captain Bonnell was promoted to Brigade In- spector of the State Troops, and a new election for officers was held. The following were members of this congregation: George A. Allen, Captain ; Martin Wyc- koff, Ensign ; John H. Clark, Robert Ramsey, Samuel B. Mann, Sergeants ; Lemuel Fisher and A. V. Smith, Corporals ; Samuel H. Volk, Drummer. Of the privates the following were members of this congregation : Henry Stothoff, John F. Schenk, Jr., William D. Clark, James O. Bellis, William R. Bellis, A. T. Connet, Peter Boss, Ransaleer Runkle, J. R. Wert.
On Friday evening, April 26th, farewell services were held in the Presbyterian Church. An address was made to the volunteers, by Dr. Janeway ; and the other min- isters of the town took part in the exercises. On Sat- urday morning the volunteers left for their rendezvous
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at Trenton. They were quartered temporarily in the Green Street Methodist Church. A prayer-meeting was organized by the company, many of whom were pro- fessing Christians. Dr. Janeway left on Tuesday, 30th, to join the regiment. The manly and neat appearance of this company attracted attention in Trenton, and wherever they halted. This brigade was the first that reached Washington from the North.
The 5th and 6th regiments contained each one company, raised in this county. Of the three months' men enlisted, connected with this congregation were James O. Bellis, who was Sergeant; S. W. Dilts, C. Merrian, also Jacob Veit and Alexander Sergeant, in the 9th regiment.
Two of the companies of the 15th regiment came from Hunterdon County. The regiment was organized at Flemington, during the months of July and August, 1862, and lay in camp on the Fair Ground. In this regiment George R. Sullivan, M.D., went as assistant Surgeon. Of Company A, Lambert Boeman was Cap- tain ; Sergeants, Manuel Kline and William D. Clark ; First Lieutenant, Thomas P. Stout ; Second Lieutenant, John R. Emery. Others connected with this congrega- tion were William Barber, James Mattison, William H. Sloan, Theodore B. Bellis, James R. Bullock, who found a watery grave in the transport, General Lyon, Paul Kuhl, and Sergeant Lucian Voorhees, who were killed at Spottsylvania Court House. Captain Boeman was promoted to Major, and was killed by a bullet-shot in his stomach, at the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19th, 1864. In Company G, Henry S. Crater, First Lieutenant. All the above were from this congregation.
REV. JOHN L. JANEWAY, D.D., PASTOR 1850-1868.
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Dr. George R. Sullivan was afterwards Commission Surgeon of the 39th regiment. William L. Dildine was a Corporal of Company B, 38th. Jacob R. Schenk, Second Lieutenant Company I, 29th, nine months' men. Albert C. Dildine, musician, Company C, 15th, private of Company D, 38th. Stewart Bellis, Company D, 31st.
Under the call of August 4th, 1862, for nine months' men, two regiments came from New Jersey, the 30th and 31st. A camp for these was established between the Fair Ground and the railroad in September. It was named Camp Perrine. In the 30th regiment, two com- panies were from Hunterdon, and in the 3Ist four com- panies. Rev. Dr. Janeway was Chaplain of the 30th. During his absence the pulpit was supplied by Rev. N. L. Upham. In the 31st regiment, Company D., Alex- ander V. Bonnell was Captain ; John H. Clark, First Lieutenant : afterwards John C. Coon, Andrew T. Con- net, Second Lieutenant ; Peter Boss, Sergeant ; R. D. Runkle, Corporal ; Samuel Volk, Musician ; J. R. Wert, Andrew Bartles, Silas W. Volk, William D. Spier. These were from this congregation. All the other of the officers were from the town and vicinity. The pri- vate soldiers from this congregation were Andrew J. Bellis, Abram W. Boss, John F. Schenk, Francis P. Smith, Alexander Sergeant. Most of the other privates were from the town and neighborhood.
When the three months' men set out for Washington, a Ladies' Aid Society was organized. This was the re- sult of a conference by Mrs. William Anderson, Mrs. A. V. Van Fleet, and Mrs. William P. Emery. Ladies from all the churches heartily joined in the movement. Meetings were held weekly in the lecture room of the
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Presbyterian Church. Miss Elizabeth Blackwell was President. A great many garments were made, and sent to hospitals, and to the camps; such as wrap- pers, havelocks, flannel shirts, etc. Canned and dried fruits, eggs, and provisions were collected from the town and surrounding country by committees, and for- warded to the Sanitary Commission in Philadelphia. The young people also were enthusiastic, and held a fair and festival in the court-room, at which $500 were cleared, which was sent to George H. Stuart. The women also worked at home, making bandages, and scraping lint for the wounded. Those were stirring days, when patriotic ardor inflamed all hearts ; and to care for our soldiers was the one object which engrossed all minds. May we never have occasion to engage in a war; but if it come, may the generation that then shall be show themselves equal to all demands, as did the men and women of thirty years ago.
On the second day of December, 1868, the present pastor, then pastor of the Presbyterian Church in New- ton, N. J., received an invitation to preach in the Presby- terian Church of Flemington, and to set his own time. This invitation was received, before it had been an- nounced in the religious papers that Dr. Janeway was about to leave, and before the pulpit was thrown open. The day selected was Sunday, December 20th. This proved to be a very stormy day, so that he consented to preach again January 17th, 1869. A week later a unanimous call was made. I find this entry in my journal : " There is material to gather a large church. There is wealth enough to carry forward all Church
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enterprise." The results of twenty-five years prove that my judgment was correct.
On May 4th, 1869, the installation took place. The sermon was preached by Rev. P. A Studdiford : Charge to the pastor by Rev. Mr. Burroughs : Charge to the people by Rev. Dr. Janeway. In the latter part of the same month, the Infant School was organized as a sepa- rate department of the Sunday-school. For three months Mrs. J. L. Janeway was the Principal, assisted by Miss S. Hopewell. Since then Miss Hopewell has been the only teacher. Beginning with fifteen children, it in- creased in a few years to one hundred ; and it has varied from that number to seventy-five. It was the first Infant School department, meeting in a room byitself, in this town. It occupied the lecture room, until the sale of that building in 1871.
At this point, the entire history of our Sabbath- school may appropriately be introduced. On page 38 the origin of the school is narrated. The first teacher was Miss Hannah Clark. The first Super- intendent was Daniel Griggs, who held that position for three years, when he removed to Newton, N. J .; where he spent a long life, serving for many years as Ruling Elder and Trustee in the Presbyterian Church of that town. He was the father of the Hon. John Griggs, a prominent lawyer of this State. Mr. Mahlon Smith then took the position, which he filled with accept- ance. He was an ardent Sunday-school worker, and established several Sunday-schools in the vicinity. He became an elder in 1838, and remained in that office until his death in 1889, at the advanced age of ninety- five years and ten months. Mr. Smith loved this church
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with an ardent attachment that can not be surpassed. When the present edifice was in course of construction, he often sat upon the stones and timbers, earnestly praying that the divine blessing might rest upon the undertaking. As an infant in his mother's arms, he was present at the laying of the corner-stone of the first ed- ifice in 1793 ; and as the aged patriarch, he sat upon the platform, at the laying of the corner-stone of the present structure, September, 1882.
Mr. Smith was succeeded by John H. Anderson, but on account of his removal to Lambertville, the office again devolved on Mr. Smith. Augustus Frisbie was then elected to the position. He was succeeded by A. G. Richey in 1842, who was then a law student here. He remained until January, 1844, when he went to Tren- ton, where, until his death, January, 1894, he was a superintendent or teacher in Sabbath-schools. He was succeeded by William P. Emery, and then Peter I. Clark held the position for two years, when again Mr. Emery assumed that charge, which he retained until he resigned in 1870. Mr. Emery maintained a lively interest in the Sabbath-school so long as he lived. This church has never had a more earnest and devoted member. He served for many years as trustee, and as elder from 1848 to his death in 1888. In the last twenty-five years of the century of the existence of this church, he occupied the important and prominent position, which Jasper Smith so honorably filled at its opening. Like that trustee and elder, Mr. Emery was for years the largest contributor in the church. So long as strength per- mitted, he was regularly in his place at the sanctuary worship, and in the prayer-meeting. Mr. Emery was
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succeeded by John T. Bird, who resigned in 1872, and Elias Vosseller took his place ; he has remained in that position, faithfully and acceptably performing its duties.
The holding of anniversaries was begun in 1869. Sunday, October 30th, was the first.
The Sunday-school held its sessions in the church, until 1843, when it was removed to the lecture room. In 1869 that room was assigned to the Infant School, when the Intermediate School and the Bible Classes were transferred to Hopewell Hall, where they met un- til February, 1879, when both schools were removed to a chapel, which was rented of Mr. Peter E. Emery, who built it for that purpose. The chapel has since been altered into the Flemington Opera House. The old lecture room was used for two years by the Infant School, when, on the sale of the building, a room was rented on the second floor of the building next north of Hopewell Hall. In that room also the meetings during the week were held. In 1876 it was wanted for business purposes, and then the Infant School and the prayer- meetings were transferred to the church. And there they were held until the erection of the chapel mentioned above.
On the 19th of December, 1869, a sermon was preached by the pastor on Total Abstinence, in com- pliance with the order of the General Assembly. This was followed by an awakened interest on that subject, which resulted in greatly strengthening the Lodge of " The Sons of Temperance," an organization which then extended over the whole country, and was productive of great good. In one month over fifty men joined the Lodge in this town. At the opening of 1870, an in-
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creased interest began to appear in the church services, which led to the holding of extra meetings during the week. A service for the children was also held, two afternoons in the week. These were largely attended. Among the adults there were several cases of deep and pungent conviction. As the result, forty-three united with the church on confession, on the last Sabbath of February. Of these twenty-five were baptized. This large addition, the largest on confession at one time in the history of the church, greatly quickened the mem- bership, and strengthened the congregation. During that year sixty-six united on confession.
In the winter of 1870 arrangements were made for the purchase of a parsonage, and in the month of July it was occupied. The cost was $11,683. Of this sum $485 were the proceeds of a fair held by the ladies, and $293 came from " The Mite Society."
In the summer of 1871, the question arose whether to repair the lecture room, or to sell it. At a meeting of the congregation called to consider this matter, it was resolved to sell, which was done in October. The building and ground brought $1500. October, 1871, a collection of $300 was taken in the church, for the sufferers from the great fire in Chicago.
In 1874, and again in 1876, the church was revived by large additions ; in the former year thirty-seven joined on confession, and in the latter year, thirty-seven were received in the same way.
May 14th, 1874, a farewell meeting for Miss Elmira Kuhl was held, who has been ever since a most devoted and successful missionary in Brazil. Rev. Dr. Ellinwood and Rev. Mr. Woodside delivered addresses. The
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pastor gave a farewell address, and presented Miss Kuhl with a gold watch, on behalf of the Mission Band of " Gleaners," which was formed in 1872. In 1876 " The Ella Kuhl Circle " was formed, consisting of those younger than the members of The Gleaners. Their contributions were devoted also to foreign missions. This increased in numbers until, in 1885, it was con- sidered best to form a new Band, which should divide its gatherings between home and foreign missions. This was named "The Hill Memorial Band," after Mrs. William Hill, deceased, who had been very active in the cause of foreign missions.
In the month of June, 1877, the congregation gener- ously offered the pastor a vacation of three months to take a trip to Europe, also presenting him with a purse of $500 in gold for his expenses. This manifestation of kind feeling was altogether unexpected. The pastor was not aware of any such intention, until he was waited on by the trustees, and informed of their arrangement. He sailed on July 5th and returned October 22d. The next winter he endeavored to express his appreciation of this kindness, by giving a series of lectures on places visited in Europe, illustrated by stereopticon views. Those were the first exhibited in Flemington.
The pastor in his fifth anniversary sermon, in May, 1874, called attention to the fact, that the increase of the congregation was surpassing the accommodation furnished by the pews; that seven families wanted sittings ; that some were crowded in half pews who desired more room, and that the structure required considerable repairs. A few days after, a meeting of the trustees was held to consider the question, whether
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"to repair, enlarge, or rebuild." No conclusion was reached, but it was resolved that the Session be invited to meet with the trustees. At that meeting, it was re- solved to consult an architect. The architect made an estimate, that necessary repairs and enlargement would cost $12,000 at least. But his opinion was that a new church would be the wisest measure. But to tear down a structure that had been standing only eighteen years, seemed to the majority of the congregation an unwarranted course.
Nothing further was done until April, 1876, when the matter again was taken up by the trustees. A commit- tee was appointed to "ascertain the probable expense of an enlargement of the church, and an addition for lecture and Sunday-school rooms, 35 x 70 feet." They also visited several churches, for the purpose of obtain- ing information respecting enlargement, and alterations; but they returned dissatisfied with all they had seen, and strongly inclined to the opinion, that a new church was the best course. At the annual meeting of the congre- gation, which was held soon after, a report was made from the committee appointed by the trustees. After hearing this report, and after a discussion, it was re- solved, that a committee be appointed to ascertain what the expense would be to carry out the following plan, viz : " To make a new front to the church, take out the rear wall, and add enough to give sufficient additional pews, and make such repairs as are found necessary." The result of the inquiry was, that such alterations and additions could not be done for less than $15,000. Soon after this, the effects of the panic, and the bank- ruptcy of the New Jersey Central Railroad produced
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such a state of things, as to render further efforts inex- pedient. But the same needs, which in 1874 constrained the trustees to consider the question of repairs, and en- largement, or a new edifice, still remained and pressed with even greater force. Since that year ninety-two persons had been added to the church by certificate alone. This increase represented about thirty families. These additions were threefold more than the removals. Besides, the building required a thorough overhauling, and it was apprehended, that the repairs might be more extensive than was anticipated ; also there were parts of the house that were objectionable. All these points were constantly presenting themselves to those who were deeply interested in the welfare of the congregation.
So strong was the conviction that something ere long must be done, that the ladies of the congrega- tion began, in 1876, a fund for furnishing the new build- ing, or enlargement, whichever it might be, and which in four years grew to $244. Meanwhile they had carpeted the chapel on Bloomfield Avenue.
The ist of February, 1882, a deep solemnity began to pervade the extra meetings which were held in the chapel. During some of the evenings this feeling was almost oppressive. These services were conducted mostly by members of the church. On them rested the burden of responsibility, which they had not in other years experienced, because the pastor had only partially recovered from the prostration caused by an attack of fever, which prevented his preaching from April to October. Thus the church was blessed with a revival, which brought into membership in February thirty-five persons on confession, of whom seventeen were baptized.
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At the close of this revival a " Young Peoples' Associa- tion " was formed, with a constitution like the Young Peoples' Society of Christian Endeavor, only that the pledge was not in it. April 23d, 1888, the Young Peo- ples' Society of Christian Endeavor was organized.
Before this revival began, several members of the congregation had asked the pastor whether it was not possible to do something for the improvement of the church building, and expressed a willingness to contrib- ute liberally for that purpose. During the revival this feeling increased, so that the pastor concluded it was his duty to lay the matter before the trustees, which he did at a meeting called for that purpose, January 30th, 1882. The matter was taken under serious considera-
tion. Several meetings were held. At last it was resolved that a new church was necessary for the best interests of the congregation. And on March 3rd the trustees determined to circulate a subscription to secure $20,000, and this was to be obtained before any measures should be taken to consult an architect. The undertak- ing met with unexpected favor, so that the requisite sum was subscribed by the last of June.
There was a general agreement at that time in the congregation that something must be done ; but opinion was nearly equally divided, whether there should be re- pairs and enlargement, or a new building. As the matter was discussed during the circulation of the sub- scription, sentiment more and more settled in favor of a new edifice. This was increased by a public meeting, Sunday evening, June 25th, at which addresses were made by Vice-Chancellor Bird, President of the Board of Trustees, by W. P. Emery, and by the pastor.
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Immediately the trustees took action towards secur- ยท ing plans. Having selected an architect, Mr. J. F. Stuckert, of Philadelphia, a plan and specifications were prepared. After due advertisement, the contract was awarded to Messrs. Titus and Conrad, of Trenton. The building committee were, T. C. Haward, Paul K. Hoffman, Atkinson Holcomb, John Kershow.
On Sabbath, the 13th day of August, worship was held for the last time in the church. In the morning we held fellowship as members of the church, in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Three persons were then received on confession ; and on the preceding day four children were baptized. Thus were made signifi- cant the closing services in that house of God, hallowed to many as the place of sweet converse with the Saviour, and of associations never to be forgotten. On the Tues- day following, the building was given over to the con- tractors.
On the 21st of September the corner-stone was laid. The opening prayer was offered by Rev. E. H. Bahler ; historical statement and laying the stone by the pastor ; prayer by Rev. C. S. Conkling; hymn read by Rev. F. L. Chapell of the Baptist Church ; address by Rev. P. A. Studdiford, D.D. ; prayer by Rev. Mr. Asay, and bene- diction by Rev. S. R. Queen. In the corner-stone was placed " a box containing a historical sketch of the church; list of church members and officers ; the pamph- let entitled 'First Century of Hunterdon County'; Dr. Mott's memorial sermon on the death of President Garfield ; the names of the contractors and builders ; a Testament, the Presbyterian, Evangelist, New York Ob- server and copies of the Flemington papers. The box
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was securely sealed." Several heavy white oak timbers were used in the construction of the foundation, which were first used in the original church in 1793. When the church was rebuilt in IS56, these timbers had a place. When that building was torn down, these same heavy beams were found to be so sound, as to be put in the present structure. Also in the walls are laid some of the stone taken from the walls of the first church, and of the second. Thus our building to-day represents in its material its two predecessors. 1.
From the very beginning of the undertaking a strong determination existed, that the church must be dedi- cated without debt. With this end in view, a second subscription paper was circulated during the summer of 1883, in order to raise $11,000. There was a hearty and liberal response, which secured that sum. The building and furniture cost $33,000. Of this amount the carpets, cushions for pews, and furniture cost $2000 which was obtained by the ladies of the congregation. By them $900 were raised from entertainments, and $840 were contributed by the ladies alone during the month of August. And $224 were the fund which had been accumulating for four years. The windows cost $932. The pews cost $1850. The rebuilding of the organ $950. The fence and the side walk cost $2000.
The services of dedication were held Thursday afternoon, November Ist, 1883. The devotional services were conducted by Rev. S. M. Studdiford, D. D., Rev. P. A. Studdiford, D.D., Rev. F. L. Chapell, of the Bap- tist Church, and Rev. S. B. Rooney, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. John S. MacIntosh, D.D., of Phila- delphia, Rev. John P. W. Blattenberger, of Reaville, and
DEDICATED NOVEMBER IST, 1883.
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Rev. Joseph G. Williamson. A historical statement was read by the pastor, at the close of which he offered the prayer of dedication. The sermon was delivered by Rev. W. C. Roberts, D.D., Secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Home Missions, from John iv. 36. The sermon was admirably adapted to the occasion, and afterward received the highest commendation.
Thus was completed an edifice which has always elicited the admiration of visitors. It is an ornament to the town; occupying, as it does, a site that is unsurpass- ed in beauty in our State. The dimensions of the edi- fice are 138 feet in depth, and ninety feet in breadth. The audience room is 75 x 90 feet. The chapel is 63x90 feet. This enlarged accommodation was most opportune, because, in the two following years, a large number of Presbyterian families moved into the town, giving an addition to the church of fifty-two by certificate.
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